KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent announcements, including the RM100 cash aid and targeted petrol subsidies were not hastily introduced, but part of a long-planned strategy to ease public unease and strengthen reform credentials
“I think this has been planned for quite some time, at least from the start of the year. It’s really to pacify the public in recent unease.
“This is not only trying to win back the crowd but especially the ones who think that Anwar is not undertaking any reforms,” political pundit Dr James Chin told Sarawak Tribune in response to Anwar’s special announcement today.
Chin said the RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), disbursed via MyKad to all Malaysians aged 18 and above, is a welcome move — though it may go unnoticed by some.
“Many in the middle class might forget to use it,” said the University of Tasmania professor.
Chin pointed out that the RON95 petrol at a reduced price of RM1.99 per litre under a targeted subsidy scheme, would likely have the most tangible effect on the public.
“The one thing people will definitely use is petrol. That will reach a lot of people, and I think this will swing to Anwar’s favour,” he said.
Nonetheless, he said the positive public sentiment may be short-lived, with some may forget the good deeds in two weeks and start to attack Anwar on other issues.
On the announcement of Sept 15 an additional public holiday in honour of Malaysia Day, Chin said it is to honour the formation of Malaysia.
“It’s just a reminder that Sept 16 is an important day, but even then, a lot of people in Malaya still don’t recognise its significance, which is Malaysia Day, even though it’s a holiday,” he said.
